Tag: community

Music in the Parks = SUMMER’S HERE!

Before we had the Community Living Room – a.k.a Courthouse Square, we had our Parks. The Stafford Park Concert Series always signified the beginning of Summer to me and many of our supportive Mt. Carmel neighbors. What’s better than sitting outside and listening to music, a picnic dinner, meeting your neighbors, having a safe place for your kids to play, all while soaking up some of the best weather in the world? NOT MUCH! And yes, I said it…THE WORLD!

Music in the ParkThis fantastic community event, now known as Music in the Park, begins tonight (6/20) from 6:00-8:00pm at Stafford Park. We’ll open the series with Sinister Dexter, a “ten-piece soul machine that brings the unique sound of the great funk horn bands!” So bring your family, a picnic dinner – or cash for the Optimist Hot Dog & Hamburger Cart (proceeds support Music in the Schools!), a blanket or low lawn chair and whatever attitude you are wearing…because you will leave happy. Promise!

Sounds of the ShoresIn addition to Music in the Park, Sounds of the Shores – our Marlin Park series starts this coming Sunday, June 24th! Local rock band Stealing 3rd, will open our series and get the crowd going on our new day and time! Shows are now on Sundays from 5:00-7:00pm so you can bring the whole family to enjoy this wonderful event!  We’ve not only made the day and time more accessible, but we have your picnic dinner taken care of too. This year, we’ve added FOOD TRUCKS to our event. Capelo’s Hill Country Barbeque will be out there with BBQ sliders, sandwiches, hot dogs, ribs, vegetarian sides and more!! We are looking forward to an AWESOME Sunday in the Shores!

For more info about our bazillion events in Redwood City, the Peninsula’s Entertainment Capital, visit www.redwoodcityevents.com!

Happy Summer y’all!

Baby, It’s HOT Outside.

Stafford Park water feature

It. Is. HOT. It’s not even summer yet and we are already trying to beat the heat. Herkner Pool won’t be open until our Summer staff is hired, trained, and of course, out of school… but we have plenty of other places to go to cool off (okay, and some unfortunate maintenance issues to report).

Stafford Park Snail1. Stafford Park
King St./Hopkins Ave. (map)

(Update 5/17 – we have found a  temporary fix so we are now open!)

Here is the info for when we re-open:
Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Tot lot, Picnic Area, Grass Play Area, BBQs and Restrooms

2. Andrew Spinas Park
2nd Ave./Bay Road (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Picnic Area, Play Area, Basketball Court, Lit Tennis Court and Restrooms

Fleishman Park Water Feature

3. Fleishman Park
Locust St. / McEvoy St. (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Picnic Area, Play Area, BBQs and Restrooms


Maddux Park Frogs

4. Maddux Park
Maddux Dr./Kensington Rd. (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Playground, Tot Lot, Picnic Area, Restrooms & nice, Grass Play Area.

Stulsaft Water Play

5. Stulsaft Park
3737 Farm Hill Blvd. (map)

Water feature operates May – October from 11am-7pm.
It turns off from 12-1pm & 3-4pm.

Amenities: Hiking Trails & Creek, Playground, Tot Lot, Picnic Area, BBQ pits, Soccer Field & Restrooms

And of course we have Herkner Pool, located at 1315 Madison Ave, in Red Morton Park. Click here for information about our 2012 Aquatics program!

Stay Cool!

Mezes and Jardin de Niños Park Renovations – Input Needed!

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What do you want to see in your neighborhood park? As we are finalizing our plans that will prepare the construction bid for the Marlin Park Playground Renovation Project (Yay!), we are ready to launch the public outreach workshops for Mezes and Jardin de Niños Park Renovations!

The first workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 26th, and the second on November 16th. We want neighbors and park users to get involved by offering suggestions for how we can improve the parks.

For both of the main workshops, we will:

  • Present in both English and Spanish
  • Provide tasty snacks and beverages
  • Have a Kids Zone (recreation staff will be on hand)
  • Start at 5:30pm for Jardin de Niños and we will meet at Tapestry Church (which is right down the street from the park at 1305 Middlefield Road)
  • Start at 7:00pm for Mezes and we will meet at Orion School (which is right down the street from the park at 815 Allerton Street)

Please join us! Parks Make Life Better!

 

Zoppé Italian Family Circus is Here!


The Circus is HERE! Redwood City is proud to welcome, Zoppé, An Italian Family Circus from October 14th through October 23rd for spectacular two-hour performances that will enthrall the entire family! The Circus tent will be set up next to the Downtown Library at 1044 Middlefield Road in Redwood City and will host matinee and evening performances.

Nino & Julian
Nino and Julian {Photo by RickPurdue}

The Zoppé Family Circus welcomes guests into the intimate 500 seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the best history of the Old-World Italian tradition. Starring Nino the clown, the circus is propelled by a central story (as opposed to individual acts) that feature acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation. Giovanni Zoppé, the sixth-generation circus performer who plays Nino, says the show aims higher than what passes for circuses these days. “We try to touch every emotion during the show,” he says. “They’ll laugh, they’ll cry, and they’ll feel for the characters. It’s more of an event than a show.”

Giovanni revived the Zoppé Family Circus in America four years ago, and has since been building its reputation with audiences and critics as an enchanting exhibition of traditional European circus. The Zoppé Circus evokes something from a picture book: the clown, the trapeze, the dancing dogs, the ring and the tent, created to be reminiscent of the one-ring European family circuses of the last century and will thrill and amaze children and adults alike with its breathtaking stunts and astonishing acrobatics. Plus, Zoppé brings a new thrilling act this year, the Rosales Family from Mexico City, Mexico, a family of acrobats and jugglers including 8 year old twin boys who will melt your hearts. The Zoppé Family Circus is a once-a-year event not to be missed, so get your tickets early!

Official Webpage

Tickets can be purchased Online & at Red Morton Community Center. Call the ticket Hotline for up-to-date information 650.780.7586.

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter for Circus Updates

  @rwcevents

Record-Breaking Turnout for Motorcycle Poker Run!

350 motorcyclists turned out for the 7th Annual Poker Run!

Record-Breaking Turnout for Motorcycle Poker Run – $40,000 Raised for San Mateo County Kids

Redwood City, CA – A record-breaking crowd turned out for the 7th Annual Redwood City Poker Run on Saturday, May 14. An incredible total of 350 motorcyclists and guests showed up on over 300 motorcycles to raise money for Redwood City’s After School Sports Programs, including Redwood City Police Activities League and Redwood City Parks & Recreation, as well as the San Mateo County Sheriffs Activities League. The entire goal of the event is to help children in San Mateo County, and this event really accomplished that, having raised nearly $40,000 for that great cause!

Jason Pullen Stunt Rider
Jason Pullen, Motorcycle Stunt Rider

The economic situation today is particularly challenging for many kids growing up in San Mateo County, and they need the community’s help more than ever. This annual motorcycle ride fundraiser is a great way a lot of folks to give back to the community, while having a great time. The fundraising ride was assisted by the California Highway Patrol, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department, and put together with the dedicated work of many great volunteers. The main sponsors of this fabulous fundraiser are Dudley Perkins Co. and the Golden Gate Harley Owners Group (HOG) Chapter.

It was a beautiful ride up Highway 35 and along the beautiful San Mateo County coastline, and this year included a surprise guest, stunt motorcycle rider Jason Pullen, to add a little more excitement to the day. The prize drawing included fabulous items such as a 42-inch flat screen, and a several of sets of new tires. The entire event was a great success, and most importantly raised significant funds for kids in San Mateo County.

The official event website is redwoodcitypokerrun.com where there is more information about this wonderful annual fundraiser.

WANTED! Have You Seen This…CAT?

Where did my socks go? Sometimes it’s the dryer, but maybe… it’s this little guy!


Dusty the Klepto Cat
Dusty the Klepto Cat's Mug Shot


Dusty the Klepto Cat   is one of our local celebrities and possibly San Mateo County’s Most Wanted Crook! Dusty has appeared on Animal Planet, The David Letterman Show, CNN, KGO and will now be riding through the 10th Annual Pet Parade this Saturday, along with many of the items that he has stolen from his neighbors throughout the years. You can see Dusty in action on You Tube (of course)  stalking his neighborhood for goodies, courtesy of Animal Planet. So if you cannot find your left running shoe, your child’s stuffy or your UNDERWEAR, you may want to rethink… “Did I lose that?” or was it “DUSTY THE KLEPTO CAT!?”


More Information About the Pet Parade…
THIS WEEKEND!
10th Annual Pet Parade
Saturday, May 21 from 11:00am – 3:00pm
on Courthouse Square – 2200 Broadway St. Redwood City (MAP)

The parade itself starts at 12:00 pm, but you should definitely show up at 11 am for this wildly popular annual event. There are going to be over 90 vendor booths and a lot of fun activities – this just might be the biggest Pet Parade event ever! We will be calling the Guinness Book!

Pony rides – petting zoo – Monterey Bay Aquarium virtual aquarium builder –  a Game Truck full of video games and other activities – the performing Sky Dogs – Peninsula Humane Society mobile adoption van – photos with your pets with Posh Pooch Portraits – caricature artists – paw print art projects – a how-to for throwing a party for your pet (!)- food and beverage vendors – lots of booths with great stuff for you and your pet (how about matching outfits?) – a variety of pet rescue groups – and don’t forget the great Downtown restaurants all around!

The entire community is invited – children, adults, and families can enjoy the fun events and festive atmosphere, and sign up (in advance, or by 11:30 that day) to show off their pets, whether furry, feathered, or scaled, vying for a $100 Grand Prize for the top winner.

Get your registration form at RedwoodCityEvents.com, or contact: Jeri Joseph-Hover at 650.369.9010 or brightonrwc@aol.com. There is a $5 entry fee for each pet to be judged in a contest, but there is no fee to walk along and be part of the Pet Parade.

This event is sponsored by Redwood City Parks and Recreation Department, Redwood City Redevelopment Agency, and the Civic Cultural Commission.

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Top 5 Reasons Redwood City LOVES Andy Z!

 
How AWESOME is Andy Z &  The Andyland Band’s, Pumpkin Patch video? Show it to your kids and get them revved up for Saturday’s Concert (see below).
 

If you are saying to yourself…”WHO IS ANDY Z?” our guess is that you do not have a young child.  That aside, Andreas Zamenes, aka Andy Z, has been entertaining children up and down the Peninsula, around the Bay Area, at Birthday Parties galore and more recently over the airwaves of internet radio, Pandora!  Whether he’s gracing us with his repertoire of “Kindie” Rock, with hilarious original songs influenced by the likes of Smashmouth and Bob Marley or leading a group of exuberant little fans around our Courthouse Square akin to a modern day Pied Piper, Andy Z is sure to not only entertain your family, but bring out your inner-child.

Why do WE love Andy Z so much?

  1. He takes our children away from our their iPads and Televisions and into the imaginary world of Andyland.
  2. He gives us songs that can bridge the gap between classic childrens music and something we actually might CHOOSE to listen to!
  3. Getting into an Andy Z show is much easier than landing tickets to American Idol…oh and did I mention…usually FREE!
  4. Andy z and The Andyland Band don’t just sing songs, but put on a REAL INTERACTIVE SHOW, complete with kids in costume and dare I say Mob Dances? Well maybe that is a little extreme, but his Rendition of Sticky Sticky Bubble Gum sure gets those kids up and moving!
  5. And lastly…HE’S FROM REDWOOD CITY!

Not to worry! The word on the street is that he is expanding his reach to “Tweeners” (kids ages 8-12) with his newest Halloween Adventure themed album, due out on October 1, 2011. You can look forward to many many more years with Andy Z!

See Andy Z and the Andyland Band this Saturday, May 7,  from 11am-1pm on Courthouse Square in Redwood City! Families will enjoy a fun kid’s concert, an inflatable playland, and can also create a Mother’s Day Gift in the craft area. Bring sunglasses for you and the kids, it is sure to be a bright and beautiful day on the Square!

This concert is sponsored by the Redwood City Mother’s Club, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, and the Redwood City Redevelopment Agency.

Celebrating the Backbone of Our Department

Happy Admin Day!

An open letter to our Administrative Staff –

To just say Thank You on this one Hallmark Holiday, is not enough. Today should serve as a reminder as to how incredibly important and valued you are to our organization. You are the front line. You are the living brand that represents Redwood City Parks, Recreation & Community Services. You deliver our mission statement every day in everything you do. You define top-notch customer service by listening, supporting, suggesting, caring and more often than not, smiling. Without all of your dedication, loyalty, creativity and love for working with the public as well as our staff, we would not be complete.

Daily you are faced with a variety of issues. We know that some days it seems as if no one is happy; sometimes you are faced with crisis; but most days you get to see with your very own eyes, happy people whom you have helped solve an issue. You get to soak in the smiling faces of the tutu-clad toddlers on Wednesdays or the Seniors who come in, rain or shine, to exercise EVERY morning and leave smiling – asking about your own families. You have one of the most important jobs in our City. You – on most days – have the greatest impact on what we represent as an organization. Your assistance and support of all of our programs, maintenance issues, financial challenges and staff quirks is priceless.

So today, we say Thank You. Please know that this is how we feel EVERY day, and we should say it more often.

With gratitude,

Redwood City Parks, Recreation & Community Services Staff

Moms Bringing the Heat to Red Morton Park!

Redwood City Baby Boot Campers
Mother Love Fitness Challengers flexing their hard work!

So… you had a baby. You long for the days of your high school figure – which you may not have even liked back then, but now wish you had it back!  This new little person in your life has trumped EVERYTHING, including your will and energy to get out and get your body back. You dread the idea of stepping foot into a gym and feeling like you wish you had a shirt that read, “I JUST HAD A BABY, OKAY!”

WHAT IF, there were a group of women just like you? WHAT IF, you could workout WITH your baby, and not stress about your baby in gym childcare during your entire workout. We know many gyms have great child care, but as a new Mom, it is stressful to leave your baby for the first time. Mommies, there is a solution. There are a variety of Stroller-based fitness programs to help jump-start your fitness regimen. Not only will they help you to achieve your fitness goals, but you will be surrounded with the support of other women who are sharing your same experiences.

Christy Doyle of Baby Boot Camp
Christy "Big Guns" Doyle

Christy Doyle, our resident BABY BOOT CAMP Trainer and Mommy Warrior, has been running this popular parent/child, strength training program in our own, Red Morton Park for several years. She recently recruited her own class participants to compete in a National Baby Boot Camp Competition entitled, MOTHER LOVE FITNESS CHALLENGE. Wait… didn’t these Moms have babies recently? YES THEY DID!

Mommies across the nation committed to 3 months of regular exercise, to then compete to become the nations “Fittest Mom” and win monthly prizes for their efforts. The outcome? Our own Kaycie Wall did 1,800 non-stop jump squats at Red Morton to take the National top spot! The Redwood City crew actually took the whole category with two other Redwood City Moms doing 1,758 and 1,600 non-stop jump squats!   We also had one Mommy win “Most-Improved” in the push-up category.  Day one, she struggled to do one push-up.  Thirty days later, she did 10 of them!  Red Morton Park has proven to be a fantastic park to work up a sweat! Congrats to our AWESOME MOMS! Come join us, your first class is FREE!

How can I participate?

Baby Boot Camp meets on Tuesdays & Thursdays in Red Morton Park (adding a Friday class at the end of the month!) and at Clifford Elementary School on Saturdays. All classes are at 9:30am. Click here for complete registration information.

What do I need to get started?

YOU NEED: Water bottle, mat or towel
WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS: Stroller, snacks, toys, sun block, diapers, hat, blanket

For More Information:

Contact Christy Doyle at 650.823.0119 or email: christy.doyle@babybootcamp.com

Other Fitness Programs at Red Morton Community Center & Park:

Stroller Strides- website
Jazzercise- website
Broadways Fitness Fusion Workout & Personal Training- website
Arron’s Morning Boot Camp- website
Gymtone Fitness- see activity guide

Ready…Set…RUN!

Ahhh… the wind in their hair, the smell of fresh air, getting their hearts pumping while keeping their fingers from texting… such great benefits can be attained through the extremely accessible sport of running! Running doesn’t require expensive equipment, just a pair of good shoes and a desire to get out there and do one’s best!

Ready, Set, Run is a “character building” running program for Boys and Girls, ages 8-13, that will prepare kids to participate in a 5K (3.1 mile) run—The Redwood City 4TH OF JULY FUN RUN!

  • Participants will receive 12 weeks of running instruction, a training manual, t-shirt, and enrollment into the Redwood City, 4th of July Fun Run.
  • COST: $25.00
  • Topics Covered: Proper physical training and nutrition, goal-setting, confidence, peer pressure, self-esteem, respecting authority, etc.
  • MANDATORY PARENT ORIENTATION: MARCH 24TH @ 6PM RED MORTON CENTER.

Program Days/Dates: April 4th-July 4th Mondays & Wednesdays
Times: 4pm-5:30pm (No class 4/18-2/22)
Location: Kennedy Middle School (Stulsaft/Sequoia HS)

Registration Deadline: March 16th, 2011. Click here for a registration form!

We are very excited about offering this new program to the youth of Redwood City! If you have any questions, please contact Erin Niemeyer at 650.780.7335.